US poultry industry adds jobs and boosts economic output

The National Chicken Council (NCC) and the US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) have made available an updated economic impact study that highlights the increased positive impact the chicken industry has on jobs, wages, and federal and state revenue in the United States.

A dynamic and integral part of the national economy, the chicken industry increased from 2012 to 2014 its number of direct jobs from 259,000 to 280,800. Taking into account direct, supplier and induced impact, the chicken industry generates 1,339,875 jobs nationwide, according to the study.

The industry also increased from 2012 to 2014 its total amount of wages from $49.1 billion to $74 billion, total economic activity from $205.6 billion to $348.8 billion, and government revenue from $18 billion to $24.4 billion.

The data is hosted on an interactive website – www.chickenfeedsamerica.com – that can be sorted nationally, by state, congressional district, state house district or state senate district.

"As we kick-off the start of the 114th Congress, it is important to highlight, as this study captures, the fact that chicken producers' positive economic impact stretches from coast to coast and hits every sector of the US economy," remarked NCC President Mike Brown. "We know that chicken is nutritious, affordable and versatile, but chicken also means jobs – whether it's on the farm, in the processing plant, the transportation sector, manufacturing, retail or restaurants."

Added John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY, "We are pleased to be able to provide this valuable tool across the industry that demonstrates the positive economic impact the poultry industry has on our communities."

The economic impact study was funded by USPOULTRY. The study was conducted by John Dunham & Associates, based in New York City, and uses data from 2014. The study was updated using the most current methodology available, and as a result, a small portion of the increase can be attributed to the new methodology. For more information on the study's methodology and model description, please click here.